Padres reviewing alcohol policy as Cardinals arrive

By: DAN HAYES - Staff Writer | Friday, May 11, 2007 12:21 AM PDT ∞

SAN DIEGO -- The Padres continue to review their policy regarding alcoholic beverages in the clubhouse as the team that brought the issue to light arrives in town.

The St. Louis Cardinals begin a three-game series with the Padres at Petco Park today,12 days after relief pitcher Josh Hancock was killed in an apparent drunk driving incident following a home game. The Cardinals responded by banning alcohol in their clubhouse, and eight other clubs have done likewise since Hancock's death on April 29.

The Padres, who provide beer, but not hard liquor in their clubhouse, are considering a change in policy, media relations director Warren Miller confirmed Thursday.

CEO Sandy Alderson said on his weekly XPRS (1090 AM) radio show on Wednesday that the policy would be looked at when the team returned home from its road trip, which ended Thursday in Atlanta.

Calls to Alderson's office seeking comment Thursday were directed to Miller.

According to police reports, Hancock was operating his rented Ford Explorer with a blood-alcohol level of 0.157, nearly double the legal limit in Missouri. He also had 8.55 grams of marijuana in his vehicle and was reportedly talking on his cell phone when he slammed into the back of a tow truck.

Five days after Hancock's death, the Cardinals banned alcohol in their clubhouse.

The Washington Nationals, Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, San Francisco Giants, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Houston Astros and New York Mets have since banned alcohol in the clubhouse.

The Oakland Athletics banned alcohol last season after pitcher Esteban Loaiza was charged with a DUI following a home game. The Florida Marlins also had the policy in effect prior to Hancock's death.

On Wednesday the Milwaukee Brewers announced they would continue to allow alcohol in the team's clubhouse.

Storm coming to Petco

The Padres announced that the Lake Elsinore Storm, their Single-A affiliate in the California League, will play a game at Petco Park on June 9, prior to that day's game against the Seattle Mariners.

It will be the sixth time the Storm, who will face the San Jose Giants at 2:30 p.m., have played in San Diego.

Hensley on the mend

The Padres hope right-hander RHP Clay Hensley will be able to throw off the mound early next week, according to the Associated Press, then head to the minors for a rehab start. He's on the disabled list with a strained right groin.